THE 21st OF JULY
BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE CAN OVERCOME THE DESIRES OF OUR FLESH AND ATTAIN ETERNAL LIFE
Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are obligated—not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. – Romans 8:12-13
God has redeemed us at the highest cost, the life of His beloved Son. We no longer belong to ourselves and cannot live as we please if we wish to remain in God’s grace. We are obligated to do God’s will because we belong to Him. Conversely, we have no obligation to follow the desires of our flesh, which leads to spiritual death.
If a Christian habitually and repeatedly lives in sin, following the corrupt desires of the flesh without true repentance, they will face eternal separation from God, which is spiritual death. Instead, we must put to death the deeds and desires of our carnal nature by not obeying the flesh and choosing to do God’s will. We can achieve this only with the help of the Holy Spirit, who is always ready to assist us when we ask. God desires for us to succeed and live with Him forever, so He has equipped us with everything we need to reach heaven.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Thank You, Lord, for teaching us Your will and ways through Your Word. It is a great blessing to know that Your plan for me is to spend eternity with You in heaven and not to be punished. Thank You for the help I receive from the Holy Spirit to live rightly and fulfill Your will. Please help me to crucify my carnal nature daily and put to death its desires and deeds so that I may live. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
